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Macron's France brings the army to the streets against the violent: Special Forces are also called
Italy🏛️ PoliticsCenter21 hr. ago

Macron's France brings the army to the streets against the violent: Special Forces are also called

In response to escalating violence and challenges in maintaining public order during recent protests, the French government under President Emmanuel Macron has decided to deploy the military onto the streets for the first time since October 24th, known as 'Act II.' The operation, announced by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez in the National Assembly, involves soldiers from Operation Sentinelles working alongside elite police units such as the Bri, Raid, and GIGN, supported by armored vehicles, helicopters, and high-pressure water cannons. The plan aims to replace static police presence at sensitive locations with military personnel, freeing up police forces for more active roles in managing demonstrations. The government also considers imposing restrictions on unscheduled or high-risk protests if organizers cannot guarantee adequate security. Both Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Nuñez emphasized the need for a more reactive and mobile approach to address the highly mobile nature of protest groups. Meanwhile, Italian commentators draw parallels between France’s actions and potential scenarios in Italy, raising questions about the balance between using military force and upholds.

United States President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday that recent protests in Italy are directly linked to immigration, warning that Europe faces irreversible decline unless it closes its borders. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated that France and Italy have become worse countries than before due to their handling of migration. He described the situation in Europe as a powder keg ready to explode, emphasizing that his administration has closed US borders and is expelling individuals who entered illegally. Trump did not cite specific incidents in Italy to prove a direct causal link between immigration and the unrest, instead offering a broad assessment of European border control failures. The comments followed a weekend of violence in Milan, where shops were devastated and looted, particularly around the Piazza Duomo area. Italian police recorded 32 arrests during the disturbances, including 13 foreigners and 23 minors. An additional 28 individuals were formally charged, comprising 15 foreigners and 23 minors. Furthermore, 174 people taken into custody faced preventive detention under Article 11bis of the 2026 security decree. The Milan prosecutor’s office requested prison sentences for six adults accused of aggravated damage and resistance regarding Saturday’s events, with similar requests filed for five other adults involved in Sunday’s incidents. In France, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that 2,513 police detentions had been made since the start of the protests, which escalated into chaos and destruction this weekend. Sixty-seven individuals have been incarcerated. Darmanin revealed he issued a directive to all French prosecutors to apply legal qualifications related to organized crime. This measure allows authorities to extend police custody from 48 to 72 hours and utilize tools such as geolocation and phone interception to determine where individuals were located when stores were looted or municipal buildings attacked. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced a new strategy dubbed Act Two for October 24, involving the deployment of the army into the streets. Soldiers from Operation Sentinelle will handle static surveillance of sensitive targets and government buildings, freeing hundreds of police and gendarme agents for active crowd control. Elite units, including the BRI, RAID, and GIGN, will join regular forces supported by monitoring helicopters, fast armored vehicles, and high-pressure water cannons. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu acknowledged that previous responses were too static, promising a massive mobilization for Saturday. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi attended a provincial public order committee meeting in Milan alongside Police Chief Vittorio Pisani, Prefect Claudio Sgaraglia, Mayor Giuseppe Sala, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. The meeting included Milan Chief Prosecutor Marcello Viola, Juvenile Court Prosecutor Luca Villa, Questor Bruno Megale, Local Police Commander Gianluca Mirabelli, and Strade Sicure commander Francesco Lamura. Piantedosi confirmed the dispatch of 500 military personnel to Milan. Mayor Sala stated that control and repression take priority in this critical phase, welcoming the arrival of troops while noting concerns about potential clashes between protesters and counter-protesters on Saturday. Political opposition in Italy criticized the government’s response. Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte condemned the devastation in Milan but argued that public order responsibility lies solely with the government. He questioned why the executive was allocating 14.5 billion euros in additional defense spending while ignoring economic hardships faced by students, farmers, transporters, fishermen, and breeders. Nicola Fratoianni of Left Italy and Alliance of the Left called the government’s measures ineffective, criticizing the creation of special legislation for minors and arguing that increased penalties and new crimes have failed to address root causes. Angelo Bonelli of Europe Green Party labeled the deployment of 500 soldiers with police powers as proof of total failure after four years in power, stating that militarizing cities does not solve problems caused by abandoned suburbs and lack of social infrastructure. Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, present at a conference in Rome organized by Oxfam on Palestine, declined to comment extensively on the immediate crisis, stating that her party would soon accelerate work on a joint progressive program. She noted that Alliance of the Left had long advocated for such acceleration without polemics. Trump’s remarks extended beyond Italy, targeting Spain specifically. He claimed that over 100,000 people had entered Spain within minutes just weeks prior, with authorities taking no action. He warned that without expelling rioters and removing those inciting uprisings, the European Union would cease to exist. Vice President JD Vance echoed these sentiments, attributing French protests to Western progressive migration policies. Trump previously posted on Truth Social that Paris would soon become a Muslim city, a statement intended to intensify pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron. The current unrest mirrors a pattern of escalating tensions across Europe. In July 2018, Trump had similarly described Italy as heavily exposed to irregular migration consequences during a press conference with former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. At that time, he praised Italy’s approach to controlling flows and urged other European leaders to follow suit. Current events see French mayors in Marseille and Lyon criticizing the management of public order, declaring themselves a disgrace to Europe, while Italian officials debate the balance between using military force and maintaining democratic space. The focus remains on whether the combined efforts of police, military, and judicial systems can contain fragmented and mobile groups responsible for the recent violence.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

9 reports

ANSA logoANSAIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9021 hr. ago
At the prefectural road in Milan, the safety committee with Piantedosi and Pisani

The provincial committee for public order and security met in Milan's prefecture after incidents of violence and vandalism occurred in the city center over the previous weekend. The meeting included high-ranking officials such as Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Police Chief Vittorio Pisani, Mayor Giuseppe Sala, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. Mayor Sala emphasized the need for both control and repression of these phenomena while acknowledging the challenge of addressing a generational issue. He warned that Saturday could be a delicate day due to concerns about potential confrontations between groups. The Interior Ministry has already announced plans to deploy 500 military personnel to the city.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a meeting involving various officials discussing public safety measures following recent unrest. It includes direct quotes from multiple stakeholders, including the mayor and minister, presenting their perspectives without overtly favoring any side. There is no clear editorial

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the meeting at the Milan prefecture following the recent clashes. It correctly identifies the attendees (Sala, Piantedosi, Pisani, Salvini, etc.) and faithfully quotes Mayor Sala's statements regarding the deployment of 500 military personnel and his stance on repressi

Why objectivity (90): The tone is largely neutral and journalistic. While it includes direct quotes from the Mayor that express strong political views ('control and repression'), the article itself does not editorialize or take a side. It presents the facts and the official reactions without loaded language or bias.

La Stampa logoLa StampaIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 90yesterday
Mobsters and protest, on the street in the prefecture in Milan Committee on security with Piantedosi and Salvini

A meeting has begun at the Milan prefecture to address public order and safety following recent incidents of violence and vandalism in the city center over the weekend. The committee includes high-ranking officials such as Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, Prefect Claudio Sgaraglia, Police Chief Vittorio Pisani, Mayor Giuseppe Sala, and other law enforcement and judicial representatives. Interior Minister Piantedosi has already announced plans to deploy 500 military personnel to the city.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a formal meeting involving multiple government officials and law enforcement authorities to discuss public safety after incidents of unrest. It presents the event factually, without overtly favoring any political side or using biased language. The inclusion of both major-party

Why factuality (95): This article provides a comprehensive list of attendees, including specific names like Questore Bruno Megale and Commander Gianluca Mirabelli, which adds precision. It confirms the core facts of the meeting and the announcement of 500 troops. The information is consistent with Article 0 and appears

Why objectivity (90): The writing style is concise and standard for hard news reporting. There is no evident slant or emotional coloring. It simply lists who was present and what was announced, maintaining a high degree of neutrality.

Il Fatto Quotidiano logoIl Fatto QuotidianoIndependentConservativeFactual 95Objective 402 days ago
Trump: In Italy, the protests are also about immigration. If Europe doesn't close its borders, it's over

Donald Trump has commented on recent protests in Europe, particularly in Italy and France, linking them to immigration issues. He stated that both countries are worse off than they were before and warned that if Europe does not close its borders, things will get out of control. Trump highlighted incidents in Milan over the previous weekend, where several stores were vandalized and looted, especially around Piazza Duomo. He emphasized that the U.S. has closed its borders and is deporting undocumented immigrants. In Italy, police made 32 arrests, including 13 foreigners and 23 minors, and issued 174 preventive detentions under the 2026 Security Decree. The Milan prosecutor requested prison sentences for six adults involved in vandalism and resistance during Saturday’s violence, and similar requests were made for five others related to Sunday’s events. In France, 2,513 people were detained since the start of the protests, with 67 arrested. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced legal measures to combat organized crime, extending detention periods and using surveillance tools like geolocation and phone intercepts.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents Trump's comments on immigration and border control, which are highly politicized topics. Trump frames the protests as directly linked to uncontrolled immigration and criticizes European policies, emphasizing his administration's strict immigration enforcement. This framing align

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports Trump’s statements about Italian protests being tied to immigration and his criticism of European border policies. It includes additional details about police actions in Italy, which are consistent with the broader context. The facts align closely with the cross-source

Why objectivity (40): The article is strongly biased, presenting Trump’s views as definitive while omitting any counterpoints or alternative interpretations. It uses emotionally charged language such as ‘polveriera pronta a esplodere’ (a powder keg ready to explode) and emphasizes Trump’s stance without neutrality.

Il Fatto Quotidiano logoIl Fatto QuotidianoIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 75yesterday
Security, Count: The responsibility for ordinepublic order is the Government's, you can't take it out on others. Avs: From executive total bankruptcy

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte criticized the current government for failing to maintain public order, stating that responsibility lies with the executive branch and cannot be shifted onto others. This comes amid recent incidents of violence in Milan, which have sparked debate over security policies. The government plans to introduce new measures, including delayed arrests for group damage and restrictions on dangerous individuals, along with deploying additional military personnel to Milan. However, opposition parties, such as Sinistra Italia and Avs, have condemned these actions as ineffective and reactive, arguing that the government has neglected long-term solutions like investment in infrastructure, education, and youth opportunities. They accuse the government of using increased security spending as a distraction from systemic issues.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents criticism from leftist politicians and opposition parties toward the current government’s handling of public safety, emphasizing their belief that the government is failing to address root causes of unrest through effective policies rather than reactive measures. The framing of軍

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports on the government’s proposed decree and includes criticisms from opposition figures. It aligns with the cross-source consensus but omits some details present in other articles.

Why objectivity (75): The article includes critical perspectives from opposition leaders, which adds balance but also introduces a slightly more opinionated tone when discussing the government’s actions.

Il Giornale logoIl GiornaleParty-alignedConservativeFactual 90Objective 552 days ago
Trump attacks Italy: "The protests are related to immigration. Without closed borders, Europe is finished

Donald Trump has criticized Italy, suggesting that recent protests in the country are linked to immigration issues and warning that Europe risks decline if it does not tighten border controls. This follows his earlier criticism of France over violent protests. Trump stated that both France and Italy are worse than they were before and emphasized that without stricter immigration policies, Europe’s future is at risk. He did not cite specific Italian protest incidents but framed the broader European crisis around migration management. This marks a continuation of Trump's recent attacks on French President Emmanuel Macron, who he accused of allowing migrants to take control of France. His comments recall a previous 2018 meeting with then-Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, where Trump praised Italy's approach to managing migration flows.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents Trump's strong criticisms of Italy and France regarding their handling of immigration and border control, using assertive language such as 'Europe is finished' and 'cities will become Muslim.' The framing emphasizes the need for strict immigration policies and frames opposition

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports Trump’s statements about Italian protests being connected to immigration and his warnings about Europe’s future if borders remain open. It also references past interactions between Trump and Italian leaders, adding historical context. The facts match the cross-source c

Why objectivity (55): While the article is still biased toward Trump’s viewpoint, it attempts to provide some background, including a reference to a previous interaction with Italian officials. This adds slight balance compared to other articles, though the overall tone remains supportive of Trump’s position.

ANSA logoANSAIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 452 days ago
Trump: 'Protests in Italy are also about immigration'

In an interview at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on recent protests in Italy, stating that they are related to immigration issues. He compared Italy to France, suggesting both countries are worse off than before and warned that if Europe does not close its borders, things will come to an end. Trump made these remarks during a press briefing, highlighting his views on immigration and border control.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents Trump's comments on immigration and border control, which are inherently politically charged topics. The framing emphasizes his strong stance on closing European borders and criticizes European countries for their handling of immigration, aligning with right-leaning rhetoric on

Why factuality (90): The article accurately summarizes Trump’s comments linking Italian protests to immigration and his warning about Europe closing borders. It matches the content of other sources and provides no false information. The facts are consistent with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (45): The article is clearly biased in favor of Trump’s perspective, presenting his views without opposing viewpoints or context. It uses direct quotes but frames them in a way that supports Trump’s narrative without neutrality or balance.

Il Giornale logoIl GiornaleParty-alignedConservativeFactual 85Objective 50yesterday
Trump's warning: France and Italy take action against insurgents

Donald Trump has warned France and Italy to take action against individuals he claims are inciting unrest, particularly among immigrants. During a press briefing at the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that such individuals are responsible for violent protests and called for their expulsion from the country. He referenced recent demonstrations in Spain, where large crowds gathered quickly, and criticized authorities for not responding effectively. Trump expressed concern that if European countries fail to act, the European Union could cease to exist.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents Trump’s statements in a manner that aligns with his known rhetoric on immigration and national security. The framing emphasizes the need to expel 'insurgents' and 'agitators,' using strong, confrontational language that reflects a hardline stance on immigration and law and order

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Trump’s statements about protests in France and Italy being linked to immigration, citing his quotes from the Oval Office. However, it does not provide specific evidence connecting Italian protests directly to immigration, only repeating Trump’s claim. The article alig

Why objectivity (50): The article presents Trump’s statements in a highly biased manner, using terms like ‘insorti’ (rebels) and emphasizing his call to expel immigrants. It frames the issue as a clear-cut problem caused by immigration without presenting counterarguments or nuance, showing strong ideological bias.

Il Giornale logoIl GiornaleParty-alignedCenterFactual 70Objective 70yesterday
Macron's France brings the army to the streets against the violent: Special Forces are also called

In response to escalating violence and challenges in maintaining public order during recent protests, the French government under President Emmanuel Macron has decided to deploy the military onto the streets for the first time since October 24th, known as 'Act II.' The operation, announced by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez in the National Assembly, involves soldiers from Operation Sentinelles working alongside elite police units such as the Bri, Raid, and GIGN, supported by armored vehicles, helicopters, and high-pressure water cannons. The plan aims to replace static police presence at sensitive locations with military personnel, freeing up police forces for more active roles in managing demonstrations. The government also considers imposing restrictions on unscheduled or high-risk protests if organizers cannot guarantee adequate security. Both Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Nuñez emphasized the need for a more reactive and mobile approach to address the highly mobile nature of protest groups. Meanwhile, Italian commentators draw parallels between France’s actions and potential scenarios in Italy, raising questions about the balance between using military force and upholds.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the French government's decision to deploy the military amid rising unrest, without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from both government officials and critics, providing a balanced view of the situation.

Why factuality (70): This article discusses France’s response to similar issues, mentioning the deployment of the military and specialized units. However, it appears unrelated to the Italian decree discussed in other articles. Since this is not the same event, the factual accuracy is lower relative to the others.

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the French situation objectively but focuses on a different country’s policies, making it less relevant to the core event covered in the other articles. The tone is neutral within its scope.

Il Fatto Quotidiano logoIl Fatto QuotidianoIndependentProgressiveFactual 30Objective 102 days ago
The violence? It's the vandals! The easy way of the well-meaning

The article critiques the reaction of 'benpensanti' (well-meaning individuals) to acts of vandalism during large-scale youth protests, particularly those that have spread from France to Italy, notably Milan. The author questions why these individuals express outrage at the destruction caused by protesters while ignoring broader systemic issues such as war, violence, and the normalization of aggression through international policies. The piece highlights the contrast between the chaos of protests and the perceived order of a society that glorifies military technology and warfare. It suggests that the focus on condemning vandalism distracts from deeper societal problems, including the actions of Western governments and the European Union.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the protests as expressions of legitimate dissent against systemic issues like war and institutional corruption, portraying the 'benpensanti' as out of touch with reality. The tone criticizes the selective outrage of certain groups and emphasizes the need to address larger social

Why factuality (30): This piece is an opinion column rather than a news report. It contains very few verifiable facts about the specific meeting described in the other articles. Instead, it makes broad generalizations about 'vandals,' 'Macron,' and societal trends. Claims like 'guerrilla has taken the scene' are subject

Why objectivity (10): The article is heavily biased and uses highly charged, literary, and polemical language. Phrases like 'virus benpensante' (well-thinker virus), 'men of honor of political jargon,' and references to Orwell's 1984 indicate a strong ideological stance. It frames the events through a critical lens towar

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